How to Maximize In-Flight Productivity On Your Mobile Phone

With a ban on in-flight electronic devices on nonstop flights from eight nations to the United States, business travelers may find themselves with only a mobile phone on a 15hr flight. Here are three must-have items to maximize productivity even if you just have a small screen to work with.

1. Portable Wireless Keyboards

I suspect there will be a “run” on these if the electronics ban spreads, but for now wireless keyboards are available and quite cheap on Amazon.

Buy one that folds up into your bag or pocket and you can avoid typing documents or constructing spreadsheets with two fingers. You can also buy a laser one, though I find typing on a virtual keyboard more difficult.

While the ease of working on a phone is undoubtedly inferior to working on a laptop, Microsoft Office, Quicken, Quickbooks, and other important business software is available for a mobile platform. You may have to squint at your screen, but it is better than nothing.

2. Phone Stand

If you are typing with both hands, you cannot prop up the phone with a magical third hand. Trying to use part of your seat or a cup is just annoying (beleive me, I have tried). Just buy a stand. I have one from Tumi that I received as gift. I am sure there are many cheaper varieties that do the trick just as well.

3. Portable Charger

Portable chargers have dropped significantly in price, but make sure you get a good one. I like the Zendure model pictured above because it looks like Rimowa luggage, but do not own it. The model I use is mophie powerstation XXL, which provides up 100 hours of battery life and can charge three devices at once.

It is true that many airlines have power outlets not only in business and first class, but even economy class. Even so, it is wise to have a backup and I never leave home without a portable charger.

CONCLUSION

A portable charger, phone stand, and wireless keyboard: three cheap investments that will make your laptop-free flight much more productive.

About Author

Matthew

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he
travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 120
countries over the last decade. Working both in the aviation industry
and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in the New York
Times, Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, BBC, Fox News,
CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, Al Jazeera, Toronto Star, and on NPR. Studying
international relations, American government, and later obtaining a
law degree, Matthew has a plethora of knowledge outside the travel
industry that leads to a unique writing perspective. He has served in
the United States Air Force, on Capitol Hill, and in the White House.
His Live and Let's Fly blog shares the latest news in the airline
industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs and promotions, and
detailed reports of his worldwide travel. His writings on
penandpassport.com offer more general musings on life from the eyes of a frequent traveler. He also founded awardexpert.com, a
highly-personalized consulting service that aids clients in the
effective use of their credit card points and frequent flyer miles.
Clients range from retirees seeking to carefully use their nest egg of
points to multinational corporations entrusting Matthew with the
direction and coordination of company travel.

The point of this ban was that they felt the larger batteries of tablets and laptops were the issue.

The Zendure is not likely to pass muster as it’s purely a battery (larger than most laptop batteries) and looks exactly like a well engineered version of precisely the type of device they are concerned about.